It is not only Namibia's travel industry that has been fiercely debating the planned new visa requirement since Friday. A wrong signal at the wrong time, say some. High time to demand equal treatment for Namibians travelling abroad, counter others. The expected additional revenue in the three-digit million range is also very welcome.
On Friday, the Cabinet decided to abolish visa-free entry for citizens from countries that do not grant Namibians the same visa exemption. This affects 31 countries. These include countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Austria as well as the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom - countries from which the majority of foreign holidaymakers to Namibia originate.
Like Namibians entering the affected countries, holidaymakers from these countries will have to apply for a visa in future. According to a press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, the application will be made possible online. Visas can also be obtained on arrival.
It is not yet clear when the visa requirement will be introduced and how high the fee will be. The visa regulations must also first appear in the government gazette before they can come into effect.
Sven-Eric Stender